Whether you love or hate the Snyder era ofSupermanand his take on the DC cinematic universe as a whole, it’s an undeniably different direction compared to the original comics. While the darker adaptations and origin stories of the Snyderverse did have their fair share of appeal, the latestSupermanfilm honors the optimism and heart of the comics in the best way possible.
This isn’t to say that there isn’t room for plenty of grim stories within the DC universe, but the story of the latestSupermanfilmfeels incredibly refreshing for a genre so saturated with cynical stories. With theconcept of an evil Supermanbeing done to death over the years,the sincere presentation ofSupermanonly highlights one of the biggest problems with one of Rocksteady’s greatest disasters.
A Decade Too Late For
While it’s hard to pinpoint just one cause for the death ofSuicide Squad: Kill The Justice League, the direction of the story and overall setting didn’t do it any favors. Following up with the widely belovedBatman Arkhamseries,the disrespectful treatment of fan-favorite characters and world-building left a sour taste in many players' mouths.
It’s not hard to see why diehard DC fans might not have appreciated the darker story execution or grim setting.
Even though it’s hard to present a game likeKill The Justice Leaguewithout killing members of the Justice League,the biggest problem was how Rocksteady mishandled some of DC’s most beloved characters. Even ifKTJL’s ending retconnedmost of its character deaths, it’s not hard to see why diehard DC fans might not have appreciated the darker story execution or grim setting, regardless of its canonical implications.
It’s not hard to see a game with the same premise but different execution toSuicide Squad: KTJLin the past, butafter over a decade filled with darker stories likeInjusticeandThe Batman Who Laughs, 2024’sSuicide Squad: KTJLfeels more than a little late to the party.
DC Needs A Game People Can Believe In
Years before the disastrous release ofSuicide Squad: KTJL, the success of the similarly namedSuicide Squad (2021)film shows that the concept still has plenty of room for both dark humor and heartfelt character moments simultaneously.Even the few glimpses we get at the upbeat and comedic dynamics between the four playable characters are some of the most memorable in the game, which could have excelled in a world more like James Gunn’sSuperman.
While there’s still enjoyment to be had from games likeSuicide Squad: KTJL, especially with acompletely free discount,the latestSupermanfilm shows there’s plenty of desire for a true return to the form of optimistic hero stories that aren’t afraid to embrace their campiness. Even if it’s unlikely that Rocksteady will touch DC anytime soon afterSuicide Squad: KTJL, hopefully, the latestSupermanfilm inspires a whole new genre of creative superhero games similar toSuperman.
